Western Gray Squirrel --- Mammals

Sciurus griseus

The western gray squirrel lives in mixed or temperate forests that border the west coast of North America. It belongs to a group of squirrels in which all activities (eating, sleeping, reproducing) take place in tree, particularly oaks.

After having spent the summer frolicking and courting, these gymnastic aces begin the task of preparing for winter. To do this, they spent a large part of their autumn days gathering acorns and burying them in holes upto 3 feet deep. This activity demands much time because these small mammals bury the acorns one by one in different holes!

When winter starts, this small animal must find an ideal place a to build a nest, where 3 to 5 offspring will be born in early spring. Often, it uses and old woodpecker’s hole, which it enlarges to make a comfortable home. Sometimes it simply lives in a hollow of oak branches.

In the height of winter, when the snow covers the hiding places of its food, the western gray squirrel must be wary of its worst enemy: the marten. The marten prowls the same places as the squirrel and can pursue it with agility through the tree. When the little squirrel digs up acorns, it is also menaced by other dangers: coyotes, foxes, wild cats and eagles are common predators.

CLASS: Mammals

ORDER: Rodents

FAMILY: Squirrels

LENGTH: 10 to 12 inches; 20 to 23 inches with tail

WEIGHT: Up to 1 pound

DIET: nuts, fruits, and insect

NUMBER OF YOUNG: 3 to 5

HOME: west coast of North America